Houry Puzantian, PhD, MSc, MTR

Assistant Professor

Bio

Dr Puzantian received a PhD in Nursing and a Masters in Translational Research from the University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a BSc in Nursing and MSc in Pharmacology & Therapeutics from the American University of Beirut. Dr Puzantian’s research area is cardiovascular disease, with an interest in the kidney disease population. Her work involves both databased and clinical research. She is studying new kidney function estimation equations and cardiovascular outcomes, with a long-term goal of cardiovascular prevention in adults with complex care needs. Dr Puzantian also has an interest in vascular reactivity under different metabolic conditions. Her methodological training involves pharmacologic clamping of pancreatic hormones and measurement of aortic pulse wave velocity in humans. Dr Puzantian believes that mechanistic approaches utilized in research on healthy humans, and in those exhibiting disease states, provide ground for translational work, with the potential to inform clinical care decisions, and promote new preventive and therapeutic venues.

She is currently developing an interdisciplinary endeavor to investigate the role of vascular aging phenomena in the progression of arterial stiffness and proteinuria.

Current Area of Teaching

Dr Puzantian is currently an instructor in Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing, and a guest lecturer in Pathophysiology for Graduate Entry Program students.

Selected Honors & Awards

2011-13 Clinical & Translational Science Award training grant- Masters in Translational Research (MTR) program. First nurse recipient of the grant at the Institute of Translational Medicine & Therapeutics (ITMAT), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

2010 The 2010 Teaching Assistant Award, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania

2009 Inducted member to Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

2007 Outstanding Service Award for contributing to the development and management of the Clinical Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center

Dr Puzantian has also received the Penrose Award of scholarship, character, leadership, and full contribution to university/professional life, as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate-American University of Beirut